:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61691063/1047174192.jpg.0.jpg)
You know the story. I’m not a football coach, or a teacher, but I play one in blogs and podcasts. I wasn’t looking forward to the Steelers Week-5 pairing with the Falcons, but they turned me into Michael Corleone and pulled me back in with an inspired effort.
Grading games is an extremely difficult and somewhat thankless task. While the coaches’ grades, of course, are what count the most, the media and fans can’t help but evaluate as well.
So let’s take a look at BTSC’s early perceptions:
Offense
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13235003/usa_today_11397242.jpg)
The offensive line gave Benjamin Todd more time to throw, but he looked extremely off in the early going. No. 7 was forcing the ball to Antonio Brown, overthrowing dudes and the interception to close the half was inexcusable. But he pulled it all together in the second half with three TDs and going 19-for-29 with 250 yards in the air.
James Conner looked like a complete back with 110 yards rushing on 21 carries and two scores. No. 30 added 75 more on four receptions. He carried the team when Ben looked sub-par early on.
Antonio Brown looked spectacular with six catches for 101 yards and two scores. The seven targets to him that didn’t result in completions were the result of poor throws. JuJu was money as well, with four catches (on four targets), 34 yards and a touchdown. The ensuing celebration was corny at best.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13235001/usa_today_11396247.jpg)
Overall Offense Grade: B+
Poll
What grade would you assign the Steelers offense after their 41-17 win over Atlanta?
This poll is closed
-
40%
A
(544 votes) -
55%
B
(741 votes) -
2%
C
(39 votes) -
0%
D
(2 votes) -
0%
F
(3 votes)
Defense
With the exception of Bud Dupree’s multiple hands-to-face flags, this was a more disciplined defense with much better scheming against a high-powered offense. T.J. Watt’s three sacks, Cam Heyward’s 1.5 and L.J. Fort channeling his inner “Olsavsky” gave the defense a huge lift. Blitzing is huge. Everybody played better. While there were some defensive lapses that made one think, “here we go again,” the entire unit played better. Joe Haden, Artie Burns, Cam Sutton and Mike Hilton came up big against Julio Jones, Mo Sanu and Calvin Ridley. I’m still pinching myself on this performance.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13234873/1047234442.jpg.jpg)
Overall Defense Grade: A-
Poll
What grade would you assign the Steelers defense after their 41-17 win over Atlanta?
This poll is closed
-
46%
A
(614 votes) -
46%
B
(606 votes) -
6%
C
(83 votes) -
0%
D
(2 votes) -
0%
F
(4 votes)
Special Teams:
Still not happy with the service at the B&B (Boswell and Berry), but Danny Smith’s unit rose to the top against Atlanta. Without DHB, the coverage was great against a good return unit. Brian Allen was superb. It was awesome to see a punt block. Gotta love Rosie Nix.
Overall Special Teams Grade: A-
Poll
What grade would you assign the Steelers ST unit after their 41-17 win over Atlanta?
This poll is closed
-
43%
A
(529 votes) -
43%
B
(525 votes) -
11%
C
(136 votes) -
1%
D
(16 votes) -
0%
F
(7 votes)
Overall Team Grade: A-
Co-Valedictorians: James Conner and T.J. Watt
Honor Roll: Brian Allen, Roosevelt Nix, The Offensive Line, Joe Haden, Antonio Brown, L.J. Fort, Cam Heyward, Artie Burns, Mike Hilton, The Offensive Line, 2nd Half Ben Roethlisberger
Detention: Chris Boswell, Bud Dupree’s lack of discipline and 1st Half Ben Roethlisb
It wasn’t the perfect win, but it came at the perfect time. Sure, the quarterback needs to tighten things up a good bit and the defense has some cleaning up to do as well. But great strides were made against a high-powered attack. Going on a run the next three contests. could definitely right this ship and this victory might be the kick-starter for a turnaround.
Poll
What overall grade would you assign the Steelers after their 41-17 win over Atlanta?
This poll is closed
-
44%
A
(511 votes) -
50%
B
(585 votes) -
3%
C
(41 votes) -
0%
D
(3 votes) -
0%
F
(9 votes)